2 Fast 2 Furious, a sequel of sorts to the 2001 hit The Fast and the Furious, is ably directed by John Singleton, a once-respected director whose debut was the surprising Boyz N the Hood -- a film that earned him an Academy Award nomination in the early ‘90s for Best Director. Singleton’s career has been on a steady downward slide ever since, and now he’s directing mindless action films like this one (and previously, Shaft). However, given the fact that Singleton does have some talent, he lifts the quality of 2 Fast 2 Furious above the level of complete trash -- if only slightly.

Vin Diesel, the star of the first film, doesn’t return for this installment; instead, we have Paul Walker in the lead role as Brian O’Conner, along with singer/actor Tyrese playing his sidekick, Roman Pearce. Beautiful Eva Mendes appears, but she is mostly wasted in a role that seems to have little purpose other than to remind us that women still exist in this testosterone-filled world of fast cars and bad one-liners. The story, which exists only to punctuate the action scenes, has Brian and Roman helping the Miami police catch a local crime lord. Their job: drive really fast, really recklessly.

The opening car race is stunning, showcasing topnotch direction, stellar camera work, great sound effects, and fine editing. Had the film kept up that type of momentum, it might have been one of the must-see, mindless action films of the summer season. But like Singleton’s career, the film never reaches that high again, and it slides consistently downhill to the entertaining, but rather underwhelming ending. What helps keep some sparks flying, though, is the surprising charisma of Walker and the witty tone of Tyrese. Still, that’s not enough, making 2 Fast 2 Furious 2 foolish and 2 forgettable 2 give much more than a mild recommendation. 2 bad.

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